The results: 36 percent of Black high school students felt prepared for college compared to 28 percent of Caucasian students. In addition, more Black students felt that the admissions process was fair compared to other ethnic groups, an interesting note considering the debates and Supreme Court case surrounding the role of affirmative action in higher education admissions.

"The study also found African American students gave college applications more forethought than any other ethnic group. [TRU Vice President Deborah] Maue said African Americans were more likely to be first generation college students.

'Their parents are less familiar with the process so they feel the need to start planning earlier,' Maue said.

She explained that parents who went to college are more familiar with the application process and tend to be more involved with their children’s college planning. Students from less affluent families turned to outside influences such as coaches, guidance counselors and teachers for information."